Although Elko isn’t a “day” trip, my recent excursion there for a Rural Nevada Tourism Conference turned me into a dedicated fan, loving it only a tick less than Boulder City; I’d go back in a Nevada Minute!

For variety go north via Highway 93 to capture a glimpse of the magnificent Ruby Mountains and return via SR 318 so you don’t miss Gun Site Mountain before you reach Ash Springs. At 5,060 feet elevation, Elko is home to world famous National Cowboy Poetry co-founded by Waddy Mitchell and presented annually in January. We were treated to Waddy’s formidable Cowboy Humor, visited the incredible Northeastern Nevada Museum built in 1967, and given a preview of the beautiful California Trails Interpretive Center nearing completion. There is not enough space here to fully extol the virtues of this thriving, rustic, rural Nevada jewel with year-round events! Coming up in July is the annual National Basque Festival, in August, the Elko County Fair, and September is the Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival. For information, visit elkocva.com and elkonevada.com or check with Elko’s Chamber of Commerce at 775-738-7135.

NEAT NEVADA NOTES: Eureka! Nevada has a county and a town called Eureka, after an exuberant miner exclaimed Eureka! when significant lead silver deposits were discovered. The area was settled in 1864 at an elevation of 6,481 feet between Ely and Austin along what is now Highway 50. By 1878 there were 10,000 residents and 100 saloons. Sixteen smelters boomed before shutting down about 1891. Today the Eureka Opera House built in 1880 and beautifully restored in 1993 presents everything from Shakespeare to a Black Irish Band and Sourdough Slim!

Visit co.eureka.nv.us for great information about the area, or call the Opera House for the season schedule 775-237-6006. Don’t miss Raines Market built in 1887; the Eureka version of Central Market! Best Western Eureka is comfortable, reasonable, and a short walk from the Opera House, museum and the Owl Club for good grub.